Two accused of stealing handgun

ELLWOOD CITY — Two New Castle men were accused Wednesday of using a shotgun to steal a handgun from the resident of a borough apartment.

N’Agapa Bumpus, 19, of 1811 Pennsylvania Ave., Shenango Township, and Alya-Wan Johnson, 19, of 413 Cedar St., New Castle, were arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Jerry Cartwright Jr. Both men were taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday by Ellwood City police.

Approximately one hour earlier, police said Bumpus and Johnson stole a handgun from Patrick Sabol, no age or address provided. Sabol told police he was visiting friends at 201 Fifth St., Apartment 3, Ellwood City. Bumpus was among the people in the apartment with Sabol, who had brought a handgun with him.

While Bumpus has a permanent address in New Castle, Ellwood City police said he often stays in Apartment 9 of the same building. While Sabol was showing the gun to David Freed Jr., of 201 Fifth St., Apartment 3, police said Bumpus took the weapon and walked away.

Sabol and Freed followed Bumpus to Apartment 9 and demanded he return the handgun. Instead, N’Agapa, armed with what Sabol identified as a shotgun, and Johnson emerged from the apartment.

According to court documents filed with Cartwright’s office. Bumpus said he was taking the handgun and threatened to shoot Sabol if he didn’t back down. Sabol and Freed returned to Freed’s apartment and called police.

By the time officers arrived, Bumpus and Johnson were gone, but police found a shotgun in Apartment 9. After searching the apartment, police searched an area around the apartment building and located both men.

When Johnson was taken into custody, police said he was armed with a handgun, which had the same serial number as the gun Sabol reported stolen.